Quotes About Moderate abilities

love of science—unbounded patience in long reflecting over any subject—industry in observing and collecting facts—and a fair share of invention as well as of common sense. With such moderate abilities as I possess, it is truly surprising that I should have influenced to a considerable extent the belief of scientific men on some important points.

The art of using moderate abilities to advantage wins praise, and often acquires more reputation than actual brilliancy.

The art of being able to make a good use of moderate abilities wins esteem and often confers more reputation than real merit.